What Jesus and Darwin Have In Common: Reflections of An Evolutionary Biologist

Did you know? -- Charles Darwin was born 200 years ago, and 2009 is also the 150th anniversary year of the publication of his Origin of the Species. This backdrop provides a rich opportunity for serious discussion and reflection upon the relationship between religion and science. Countryside Community Church, First Central's UCC Sister Church, is celebrating Evolution Weekend 2009 by hosting Dr. Joan Roughgarden, Professor of Biological Sciences at Stanford University. She will present a lecture entitled:

What Jesus and Darwin Have In Common: Reflections of an Evolutionary Biologist

“I’m an evolutionary biologist and a Christian,” states Stanford professor Joan Roughgarden at the outset of her groundbreaking book, Evolution and Christian Faith: Reflections of an Evolutionary Biologist. Speaking from that perspective to audiences everywhere, she offers an elegant, deeply satisfying reconciliation of the theory of evolution and the wisdom of the Bible. Perhaps only someone with Roughgarden's unique academic standing could examine so well controversial issues such as the teaching of intelligent design in public schools, or the potential flaws in Darwin's theory of evolution. Roughgarden has scoured the Bible and scanned the natural world, finding examples time and again, not of conflict, but of harmony. In the ongoing debates over creationism, intelligent design and evolution, her lecture will be seen as a message of major significance, for those bright and thoughtful people who wonder how or if they can embrace scientific advances while maintaining their traditional values. Roughgarden holds a Ph.D. in Biology from Harvard University, and is currently Professor of Biological Sciences and of Geophysics at Stanford University.

When: Thursday, February 26, at 7:00 pm.

Where: Countryside Community Church located at 8787 Pacific Street.

Cost: Tickets for this event are available in the Narthex or during weekday office hours. Suggested donation is $10.

This lecture will be followed by a Q and A session and book-signing. For more information contact, Cyndi Kugler, Director of the Center for Faith Studies at Countryside Community Church at 391-0350x121 or cyndik@countrsideucc.org.